Collapsible auto shade

ABSTRACT

A support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between a collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more arcuate compressible members which extend beyond the perimeter of the pleated or folding screen. Each of the arcuate compressible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, thereby supplying an expansive force to hold the shade in place in the open position. The shade can also be provided with a pocket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation patent application which claims priority to thecontinuation-in-part patent application having Ser. No. 10/610,848,filed on Jun. 30, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of applicationhaving Ser. No. 10/307,482 filed Dec. 2, 2002, which is acontinuation-in-part of application having Ser. No. 10/116,946 filedApr. 8, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application having Ser.No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation ofapplication having Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisional applicationhaving Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. The application havingSer. No. 10/307,482, noted above, also is a continuation-in-part of Ser.No. 10/118,549 filed Apr. 8, 2002, which claims priority to provisionalapplication having Ser. No. 60/284,967 and a continuation-in-part ofapplication having Ser. No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is acontinuation of application having Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisionalapplication having Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. All of theabove noted applications and patents are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to collapsible shades designedto for fitment in a window, such as of an automobile, so as to protectthe interior by preventing the entrance of damaging sun rays and thegeneration of damaging heat, and in particular, to a support structuresbiasing collapsible or folding windows shades in an automobile windowand against adjacent fixtures.

Numerous styles of window screens and shades adapted for use inautomobiles have long been available in the art. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 5,035,460 for an automobile window protector, and which isincorporated herein by reference, shows the fabrication of such ascreen, made of flexible material, and which could be applied to eitherthe interior and exterior of the window of an automobile. In addition,U.S. Pat. No. B1 5,024,262, and which is incorporated herein byreference, shows a compactly foldable automobile sunshade, whichprovides for inherent resiliency, at least around its perimeter loop, tohold the shade in an opened configuration, and to provide sunlightprotection at the vicinity of the automobile window, but which iscapable of significant reduction in size through the folding of theframe into a more compact arrangement for suitable for storage.

During use, an automobile windows shade is typically installed adjacentan automobile window, blocking incoming sunlight or providing interiorprivacy. However, if the automobile window and the shade do not haveexactly the same dimensions, the shade may not function as desired. Forexample, if the window shade is smaller than the window in which it isinstalled, it may not stay in place without the aid of fasteners or tiesto hold it to the window. Alternatively, if the shade is larger than thewindow in which it is installed, the shade may bow or wrinkle whenfitted into the perimeter of the window, leaving gaps or causing damageto the shade.

Accordingly, there is a need for an automobile window shade supportassembly which permits a collapsible or folding automobile window shadeto securely fit within a wide variety of automobile windows of varyingshapes and sizes which are larger than the shade without bowing,wrinkling, or experiencing damage, and without the need for fasteners orties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a support assembly for acollapsible automobile shade material such as a pleated or foldingscreen which can be selectively moved between a collapsed position forstorage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. Thesupport assembly consists of one or more flexible members which extendbeyond the perimeter of the shade material. Each of the flexible membersis resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge orperimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, whilemaintaining the screen in an open position, supplying an expansive forceto hold the shade material in place in the open position.

In a second embodiment, each of the flexible members comprising thesupport assembly is adjustable to alter the extension of each of theflexible members beyond the perimeter of the shade material. A slideclasp is configured to permit each flexible member to slide along theperimeter of the shade, between a fully extended position having maximumdisplacement from the perimeter of the shade material, and a retractedposition adjacent the perimeter of the shade material. Each flexiblemember is configured to adjust as required to facilitate theinstallation of the shade in automobile windows of varying shapes andsizes.

In a third embodiment, the support assembly includes one or more rigidmounting elements spaced about the perimeter of the collapsibleautomobile shade. Each rigid mounting element is configured to grip orseat on an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shadeis installed, supplying a holding force to secure the shade in place inthe open position.

In a fourth embodiment, the support assembly for a rectangularcollapsible automobile shade includes one or more flexible members whichextend beyond the perimeter of the shade material in combination withone or more rigid mounting elements. The rigid mounting elements aredisposed at the corners of the collapsible shade, and are interconnectedby the flexible members, which provide an expansive force to seat therigid mounting elements against the edge or perimeter of an automobilewindow in which the shade is installed in an open position.

The compressible members can be formed from either one section or twosections of metal bands. If formed from two sections, then the two metalbands can be joined together by appropriate means, such as a clamp.

The material from which the screens of the shades are made can bestretchable. Preferable, the screen material is stretchable in twoopposed directions.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will becomemore apparent from the reading of the following description inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobileshade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assemblyintegrated with a generally rectangular screen;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the mounting of the screen to the frameof the shade.

FIG. 2 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobileshade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assemblyintegrated with a generally square screen;

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobileshade if the present invention, illustrating a flexible member supportassembly disposed adjacent one edge of a rectangular screen;

FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible support member of FIG. 3 secured to theedge of the rectangular screen, defining a pair of compressible bulges;

FIG. 5 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobileshade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assemblysecured to a generally rectangular screen;

FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobileshade of the present invention, illustrating a support assemblyconsisting of a plurality of flexible members secured adjacent to thecorners of a generally rectangular screen;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsibleautomobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a supportassembly consisting of a plurality of opposing flexible members securedto the perimeter of a circular screen;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a three-piece folding automobile shade,with each piece including the flexible support member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-piece folding automobile shade,with a pair of pieces including the flexible support member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an automobile with various embodimentsof the collapsible automobile shades installed in the front and sidewindows;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an automobile with the embodiment ofthe collapsible automobile shade of FIG. 6 installed in the rear window;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding clamp assemblyutilized to secure a flexible support member of the present invention toan automobile shade perimeter;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sliding clamp assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodimentsliding clamp assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the alternate embodiment sliding clampassembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment slidingclamp assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rigid mounting element utilizes tosecure an automobile shade to a vehicle window perimeter;

FIG. 18 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobileshade of the present invention with a plurality of rigid mountingelements of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobileshade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements ofFIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobileshade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements ofFIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of a folding automobile shadeof the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG.17 disposed on either end of an expanding support shaft;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative shade, similar to theshade of FIG. 1, but provided with a pocket;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative shade, similar to theshade of FIG. 3, but provided with a pocket and showing that a sign canbe placed in the pocket;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are plan views showing alternative manners of applyingthe compressible member to the shade

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several FIGS. of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enablesone skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes severalembodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of theinvention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode ofcarrying out the invention.

In referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, oneembodiment of the support structure 10 associated with a collapsibleautomobile shade 12 is disclosed. The collapsible automobile shade 12includes a shaped screen 14 of fabric-like material which may be cloth,mesh, polymer, or even Mylar. Preferably, the material easily deformsinto any shape without a memory. When the automobile shade 12 isexpanded, as shown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen 14 is held in an openconfiguration, in this particular instance being generally rectangular,and which can be used as a sun shade or privacy screen, internally of anautomobile windshield or window. The outer edge 16 of the shaped screen14 defines a perimeter boundary or border, which in this illustrativeembodiment is made from simply rolling the outer edge back on itself andsecuring the edge by sewing.

It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that theparticular shape for the shaped screen 14 may undertake variousconfigurations, and such shapes may include the rectangular form asshown in FIG. 1, a square form as shown in FIG. 2, an oval, circular, ortruncated configuration, depending upon the particular automobile makeand model for which the screen is intended for use.

As seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure 10comprises a spring-like compressible member 18 extending beyond aportion of the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14. The compressiblemember 18 is a single continuous length of spring-like or resilientlycompressible material, such as a thin metal band having an inherentshape memory, forming a circular framework 19 for supporting the shapedscreen 14 in an open configuration. The spring-like or resilient natureof the compressible member 18 permits the collapsible automobile shade12 to be reversibly twisted in upon itself in a conventional manner,into a compact and overlapping collapsed configuration suitable forstorage. Preferably, the compressible member 18 and the shaped screen 14are coupled by incorporating the compressible member 18 into the outeredge 16 or border of the shaped screen 14.

In a third embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a single compressible member 18forms an arcuate framework 22 for supporting the shaped screen 14 in anopen configuration. The arcuate framework 22 is secured to the perimeterboundary of the shaped screen 14 in a conventional manner at two fixedattachment points 24A, 24B, such as by crimping or clamping.Alternatively, as shown by a variation of the third embodiment in FIG.4, the arcuate framework 22 may include a centrally disposed third fixedattachment point 24C, forming a pair of arcuate elements 22A, 22Badjacent one edge of the shaped screen 14 from the single compressiblemember 18.

In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a single compressible member 18is disposed in a circular configuration 26 about the outer edge 16 ofthe shaped screen 14, in an open configuration. Unlike the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen 14 in this embodiment is secured tothe compressible member 18 by a plurality of fixed attachment points24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D in spaced relationship about the perimeterboundary of the shaped screen 14.

In a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a single compressible member 18is disposed about the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 in an openconfiguration. The compressible member 18 is secured to the outer edge16 of the shaped screen 14 by a plurality of fixed attachment points24A-24H, such that portions 30 of the compressible member 18 adjacentcorner regions 29 of the shaped screen 14 are spaced apart there fromand, as shown, for segments of circles, while portions 32 of thecompressible member 18 adjacent the elongated sides of the shaped screen14 are substantially parallel there to.

In a sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of compressible members 18are disposed in spaced relationship about the outer edge 16 of theshaped screen 14 in an open circular configuration. Each compressiblemember 18 forms an arcuate framework 34 spaced apart from the outer edge16 for supporting the shaped screen 14 in an open configuration. Eacharcuate framework 34 is secured to the perimeter boundary of the shapedscreen 14 at two fixed attachment points 24A, 24B and 24C, 24D,respectively. In a seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the supportstructure 10 is adapted for use with a conventional folding automobileshade 40 comprising a number of rigid shade panels 50A, 50B, and 50C.The shade 40 is configured to fold in a conventional manner along seams52 disposed between each shade panel 50A, 50B, and 50C, from an openconfiguration to a closed configuration. The adapted support structure10 includes a compressible member 18 associated with each rigid shadepanel 50A, 50B, and 50C. Each compressible member 18 forms an arcuateframework 54 for supporting the associated rigid shade panel 50A, 50B,and 50C in an open configuration, and is secured to an outer edge of theassociated rigid shade panel at two or more fixed attachment points 56.

In a variation on the seventh embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, only alimited number of the individual rigid shade panels 60A-60E comprising aconventional folding automobile shade 60 are provided with associatedcompressible members 18 of the support structure 10.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the use and operation of the supportstructure 10 of the present invention to secure a collapsible automobileshade 12 in an automobile window 100. A collapsible automobile shade 12is initially unfolded or expanded to a fully open configuration such asshown in FIGS. 1-9. Preferably, the shade 12 is selected to include ashaped screen 14 having overall dimensions equal to or smaller thanthose of the frame 102 of the automobile window 100 in which it is to beinstalled, and to include a compressible member 18 such that thecombined maximum dimensions of the support structure 10 and the shapedscreen 14 are greater than at least one corresponding dimension of theautomobile window 100. For example, it is preferable that for anautomobile window having a 20.0 inch height dimension, a collapsibleautomobile shade 12 be selected to have a height of the shaped screen14, combined with that of the compressible member 18, which exceed 20.0inches.

When installed against the automobile window 100, the components of thesupport structure 10 are reversibly deformed and compressed to fitwithin the frame 102, providing tensioned support for the shaped screen14 by transferring the compressive loads to the outer edge 16 of theshaped screen 14. For example, turning to FIG. 10, an embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1 is shown installed in the automobilewindow 100 of a rear door 104. A pair of similar automobile shades 12,are seen installed in the windshield 100A. The compressible member 18,initially defining a circular framework 19 within which the shapedscreen 14 is held, is deformed and compressed by the frame 102 into asubstantially rectangular configuration, reducing the spacing betweenthe shaped screen 14 and the compressible member 18 above and below theshaped screen 14. The inherent shape memory of the spring-likecompressible member 18 resists compression by the window frame 102,exerting an outwardly directed holding force against the window frame102, maintaining the automobile shade 12 in position against the window100.

Each embodiment of the support structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 isutilized in a similar manner to that described above. As shown in FIG.11, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 isillustrated in use to secure an automobile shade 12 in an openconfiguration against a rear window 100B of an automobile. Specifically,each of the portions 30 of the compressible member 18 adjacent cornerregions 29 of the shaped screen 14 is compressed against thecorresponding corners of the rear window frame 102B, providing atensioning support to maintain the automobile shade 12 in place againstthe rear window 100B.

For some applications of the support structure 10, it is desirable toalter the spacing between the compressible members 18 and the shadematerial 14, so as to permit an automobile shade 12 including thesupport structure 10 to be utilized in automobile windows 100 having awide range of dimensions. Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternateembodiment of the support structure 10 is shown to include a slidecoupler 200 utilized in place of a fixed attachment point to secure thecompressible member 18 to the outer edge 16 of the shade material 14.The slide coupler 200 consists of a coupler body 202 which is secured toone end of the compressible member 18, preferably by a locking dowel 204or other conventional attachment means passing through the compressiblemember 18 seated in a recess 206, and engaging the coupler body 202. Thecoupler body 202 further includes a channel 208 into which the outeredge 16 of the automobile shade 12 is seated. A release button 210,biased by a spring 212 is seated in a bore 214 intersecting the channel208. The release button 210 includes a second channel 211 alignedparallel with the channel 208, and is biased by spring 212 to exert alocking pressure against the outer edge 16, securing the slide coupler200 against sliding movement relative to the outer edge 16. When in thebiased (locking) position, a portion of the release button 210 protrudesfrom the bore 214, beyond the face of coupler body 202.

When depressed inward towards the coupler body 202, the release button210 compresses the spring 212, and shifts the second channel 211 intolongitudinal alignment with the channel 208. When channel 208 and thesecond channel 211 are in longitudinal alignment, the slide coupler 200is capable of sliding movement along the outer edge 16. When released,the release button 210 is biased outward from the coupler body 202 bythe spring 212, moving the second channel 211 into parallel alignmentwith the channel 208, and trapping a portion of the outer edge 16 therebetween. The trapped portion of the outer edge 16 resists slidingmovement by the slide coupler 200, securing the compressible member 18in a fixed location relative thereto. Using the slide coupler 200 it ispossible to alter the spacing between the compressible members 18 andthe shade material 14, so as to permit an automobile shade 12 includingthe support structure 10 to be utilized in automobile windows 100 havinga wide range of dimensions. Specifically, by sliding the slide coupler200, and accordingly, the compressible member 18 along the outer edge 16of the automobile shade 12, the displacement of portions of thecompressible member 18 from the outer edge 16 will either increase ordecrease, permitting use of the automobile shade and support structure10 in either larger or smaller windows.

Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first alternate embodiment of the slidecoupler suitable for use on an automobile shade 12 having a rigid outeredge 16 is shown. The slide coupler 300 includes an upper clamp plate302, a lower clamp plate 304, and a face plate 306. One end of acompressible member 18 is secured between the upper clamp plate 302 andthe lower clamp plate 304 by a pair of locking dowels 308 passingthrough aligned bores in the clamp plates and the compressible member18. The face plate 306 is bonded to an edge of the upper clamp plate302, and provides a pivot 310 for a cam lever 312. The cam lever 312includes a cam surface 314 in alignment with an opening 316 in the faceplate 306.

As best seen in FIG. 15, when installed as part of a support structure10, the slide coupler 300 is secured to a rigid outer edge 16 of anautomobile shade by the lower retaining lip 318 on the upper clamp plate302 and the face plate 306. The rigid outer edge 16 is further alignedwith the opening 316 in the face plate 306, such that the cam surface314 is engaged thereto. Depressing the cam lever 312 rotates the camsurface 314 about the pivot 310, away from the outer edge 16, permittingthe slide coupler 300 and attached compressible member 18 to slide alongthe outer edge 16. When a desired position is reached, the cam lever 312is released, and the cam surface 314 again engages the outer edge 16through the opening 316, securing the slide coupler 300 in a fixedposition relative to the outer edge 16.

Turning to FIG. 16, a variation of the slide coupler 300 is shown toinclude a second cam lever 320 in place of the locking dowels 308. Thesecond cam lever 320 operates identically to the cam lever 312, butinstead engages an edge of the compressible member 18 through acorrespondingly positioned opening. Absent the engagement of the secondcam lever 312, the compressible member 18 is free to slide through theslide coupler 300. When engaged by the second cam lever 312, thecompressible member 18 is fixed in place relative to the slide coupler300. By providing a pair of cam levers 312, 320, the slide couplerlocation may be moved about the outer edge 16 of the automobile shade12, and the length of the compressible member 18 may be adjusted bycontrolled movement through the slide coupler 300.

To facilitate holding an automobile shade 12 in a vehicle window, one ormore rigid mounting elements 400, such as shown in FIG. 17 through FIG.21 may be utilized. Preferably, a plurality of rigid mounting elements400 are disposed in a spaced relationship about the perimeter of theautomobile shade 12, at each corner of the shade material 14 or supportstructure 10. Each rigid mounting element 400 is secured to either aframework 402 incorporated into the outer edge 16 of the shade material14, or to elements of the support structure 10, such as a compressiblemember 18. Preferably, each rigid mounting element 400 includes anL-shaped body 404 defining a pair of extensions 405A, 405B, and having afriction surface 406 disposed at the apex. Each extension 405A and 405Bis configured to receive either a portion of the framework 402 as shownin FIGS. 17, 18, and 21, or elements of the support structure 10 asshown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in a fixed relationship.

During use, when the automobile shade 12 is in an open configurationsuch as shown in FIG. 21, and placed in a window 100 of an automobile,the friction surface 406 on each rigid mounting element 400 seatsagainst the framework 102 surrounding the window 100, to provide apositive contact against which the automobile shade 12 and/or supportstructure 10 can exert a holding force to maintain the automobile shade12 in place adjacent the window 100.

An alternative shade 500 is shown in FIG. 22. The shade 500 is similarto the shade 10 of FIG. 3, but which is provided with a pocket 502. Theshade 500, like the shade 10, includes a screen 504. To form the pocket502, the shade is provided with a second layer 506 of material whichoverlies the first layer 504 of screening material. The second layer 506of material is preferably as wide as the first layer of screeningmaterial 504, so that the two layers of material can be joined at theirperiphery. Additionally, the lower edge of the second layer 506 isjoined to the lower edge of the first layer 504, to form a bottom of thepocket 502. Although the layer 506 is shown to have a height equal tothe height of the layer 504, the second layer can have a height lessthan the height of the first layer, in which case, the pocket 502 willhave a depth less than the height of the screen 504. Additionally, thesecond layer 506 can be mounted to the first layer 504, such that thebottom of the second layer (and hence the bottom of the pocket 502) areabove the bottom of the first layer 504.

A second pocketed shade 510 is shown in FIG. 23. The shade 510 isconstructed similarly to the shade of FIG. 3 and is provided with apocket in the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with theshade 500. The shade 510 is shown to be able to receive a plaque or sign512. This sign 512 can simply be decorative. Alternatively, the sign 512can contain a message, such as “Send Help”. To facilitate insertion ofthe sign 512 into the pocket 514 of shade 510, the first and secondlayers 516 and 518 are preferably made from stretchable material.Further, the material from which the layers are made can stretch alongtwo axes so that the material can be stretched in two opposingdirections (i.e., widthwise and heightwise). Additionally, to enable theplaque 512 to be seen, the second layer 518 of material is preferabletransparent or made from an open mesh.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, a shade 600 is shown which is similar to the shade10 of FIG. 3. However, in the shade 600, the perimeter of the screenforms pockets or openings 602, there being two opposed openings 602along the top edge of the screen and two opposed openings 602 along thebottom edge of the screen. The compressible member 18 is then receivedin opposed openings 602, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. As seen in FIG.24, the compressible member 18 can be formed from a single piece, inwhich case, the member 18 has a length greater than the length of theedge of the shade 600, such that the compressible member will bow orbend outwardly from the screen of the shade. As seen in FIG. 25, thecompressible member can be comprised of a pair of shorter members 18 a,b, which have a combined length greater than that of the edge of theshade. The ends of the two members 18 a, b are then joined together byan appropriate connector.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. Asvarious changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1-6 (Cancelled)
 7. A collapsible auto shade for use in operativeposition against an automobile window and its frame to provide for shadeinteriorly of the automobile, comprising: a first material portionhaving an outer edge defining a perimeter boundary; a second materialportion, said second material portion joined to the first materialportion along at least three edges of said second material portion; saidsecond material portion with the first material portion defining apocket intermediate thereof; and at least one spring like arcuatecompressible member extending beyond a portion of the perimeter boundaryof said first and second material portions, said at least one springlike arcuate compressible member having an open configuration associatedwith an open state of said automobile shade, and a collapsedconfiguration associated with a collapsed state of said automobileshade; and wherein said at least one spring like arcuate compressiblemember in said open configuration is adapted to expand said outer edgeof both said material portions, and to compress against an automobilewindow frame to locate said automobile shade against a window to provideshading therethrough.
 8. The collapsible automobile shade of claim 7wherein said second material portion is transparent.
 9. The collapsibleautomobile shade of claim 8 wherein said second material portion isformed from a transparent material or material having an open mesh. 10.A collapsible automobile shade for use in operative position against anautomobile window and to compress against its frame to provide shading,comprising: at least one material portion having an outer edge defininga perimeter boundary, said boundary having an upper edge portion and anlower edge portion, the upper and lower edge portions forming opposedopenings into said boundary on at least one of said upper and lower edgeportions; at least one spring like arcuate compressible member havingfirst and second opposed ends, said opposed ends being received in saidopposed openings of said boundaries; said spring like arcuatecompressible member extending beyond a portion of the perimeter boundaryof said at least one material portion, said at least one spring likearcuate compressible member having an open configuration associated withan open state of said automobile shade, and a collapsed configurationassociated with a collapsed state of said automobile shade; and whereinsaid at least one compressible member in said open configuration isadapted to expand said outer edge of said material portion, and tocompress said spring like arcuate compressible member against anautomobile window frame to provide shade therethrough.
 11. Thecollapsible automobile shade of claim 10 wherein said spring likearcuate compressible member comprises a first member and a secondmember, said first and second spring like arcuate compressible membersbeing joined together to form said compressible member.
 12. Thecollapsible automobile shade of claim 10 wherein said shade includes aseries of spring like arcuate second compressible members, such thatthere is a spring like arcuate compressible member adjacent both saidupper and lower edges of the material portion.